Carson has Tourette's---but it doesn't have HIM

Our third son, Carson, (11) was diagnosed with tourettes/ADD almost 3 years ago and has been doing quite remarkably accepting and understanding his TICS. If you are unfamiliar with this diagnosis, here is the "official" definition:

Tourette's is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by the presence of multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic; these tics characteristically wax and wane. Tourette's is defined as part of a spectrum of tic disorders, which includes transient and chronic tics.

Tourette's was once considered a rare and bizarre syndrome, most often associated with the exclamation of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks (coprolalia). However, this symptom is present in only a small minority of people with Tourette's.^[1] Tourette's is no longer considered a rare condition, but it may not always be correctly identified because most cases are classified as mild. Between 1 and 10 children per 1,000 have Tourette's;^[2] as many as 10 per 1,000 people may have tic disorders,^[3][4] with the more common tics of eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements. People with Tourette's have normal life expectancy and intelligence. The severity of the tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence, and extreme Tourette's in adulthood is a rarity. Notable individuals with Tourette's are found in all walks of life.^[5]

Genetic and environmental factors each play a role in the etiology of Tourette's, but the exact causes are unknown. In most cases, medication is unnecessary. There is no effective medication for every case of tics, but there are medications and therapies that can help when their use is warranted. Explanation and reassurance alone are often sufficient treatment;^[6] education is an important part of any treatment plan.

Carson enjoys his relationship with his children's psychiatrist and finds great comfort in her words and knowledge. I have also worked hard to build Carson's self-esteem and help him understand his tics so he can explain to peers why he has these behaviors.

Recently, Carson TIC has become quite apparent to others. It occurs about every 15-30 SECONDS and began 4 weeks ago during STATE testing.

Throughout our Spring Break vacation, he was pictured doing this:

Although tourette's is mild for Carson, it does not appear so with this current tic. He has managed to enjoy school and relationship with peers, however, I have observed him being much more of an introvert than early childhood.

The transition to middle school is difficult for any student and for Carson I would imagine the anticipation of this event is exciting, however a bit unnerving for him knowing he will be exposing himself to many more students who have potential for teasing and bullying him regarding the unknown.

Education and understanding is key to this syndrome and it is my hope to continue to do this with Carson's peers, teachers, and leaders.

The is the reason I have opened this dialogue on my blog with hopes of providing a bright future for Carson. He is a delightful boy with so much potential. Even though there is the hope that his tics will disappear into adulthood, he still needs to survive adolescence and all the challenges and trials that come with maturing.

If there is anyone out in the BLOG world with personal direction and knowledge of others with tourettes, you can speak here in the comment section!!!